DeMaio, Fletcher fare well in poll

As San Diego Mayor Bob Filner fights for his political life in the wake of allegations he sexually harassed at least three women, a U-T San Diego/10News poll suggests Carl DeMaio and Nathan Fletcher would enter an election as the heavyweights should the mayor be forced from office.

Filner has acknowledged what he describes as “inappropriate” behavior but denies he sexually harassed anyone and has said he is confident a fair and impartial investigation will absolve him.

The poll conducted July 16-18 by SurveyUSA questioned 650 city residents, including 564 registered voters.

Republican DeMaio, a former City Councilman, and Democrat Fletcher, a former assemblyman, are virtually tied when respondents were asked who they would choose among those two, according to the poll. They are substantially favored when up against one of the other listed politicians, including Councilman Kevin Faulconer, former Councilwoman Donna Frye, council President Todd Gloria and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith.

Respondents also ranked integrity as far and away the top quality a new major should have, followed by leadership and fiscal responsibility.

Most respondents were contacted by the automated poll via cellphone or landline. Twenty-one percent of the registered voters were polled via a questionnaire on their smartphone, tablet or other electronic device.